New Issue on Post #14 - Aquaclear 50 HOB

I have two Aquaclear 50 filters. When I moved a few months ago, one of them would not start back up. The motor turns on, and I can feel the resistance on the propeller so I know it is at least trying to work. I have taken the propeller assembly out of the motor and cleaned it and the inside of the motor. I have put the filter back together and used a straw to try and spin the propeller manually, but it best this only gets it going for second or two.

So, I have tried to fix this problem like all of the forums say, but it just wont start back up for me. I am so frustrated with this problem that is probably just a simple fix.

 

you may need a new impeller

 

Since you have 2 identical HOBs, try swapping the impellers to help with troubleshooting...

 

Remove the impeller assembly and check how much "free travel" the impeller has on the shaft. If it's more than 1/8th inch, your impeller needs replaced.

 

I checked for play with the impeller, and it defiantly has 1/8th inch of play. Now I just have to find some place to buy a new one and hopefully stock up on some. This seems to be a really common problem with this filter.

 

Impeller Assembly for Aqua Clear Powerhead Here's one option on the impellers. Edit - Changed link to a 3reef sponsor.

 

Don't they have a lifetime warranty?

 

when u were trying to kick start the impeller with a straw. the aqua clears have a cover with which you really wouldn't be able to do that unless the filter intake assembly was taken off.....in which case, its not doing much of anything by just moving the impeller hoping it starts as you will create zero suction.

how high is the water level in the aquarium when the filter is sitting on the tank?

how high do you fill the AC 50 before starting it?

how long do you wait for the bubbles to clear out of the u-tube after starting?

 

The water level is to the top with the filter sitting on the tank and I always fill the filter to the point of water flowing out of it before plugging it back in. As far as the u-tube is concerned, I usually just move it around in the aquarium to get as much water in it as possible before attaching it to the filter.

I honestly think that I am sitting it up correctly as my other filter just like it doesn't have any problems. I think that it just needs a new impeller.

 

Did you ever swap the impellers between filter assemblies? That's going to quickly indicate if your impeller is okay or not..... plus, it's free, no buying another impeller just to find out the motor is shot on the filter unit.